Whether you have little ones with you or just need to take a lot of stuff to the beach, a beach wagon can come in handy. It is essentially like a regular wagon, except that they are lightweight and designed for many types of outdoor use. Here’s a look into what features they might have and some items that will work great for your family.
Quick Look: Our Top Picks
What does it do?
A beach wagon can do a number of jobs for you, whether you’re at the beach or not. Many people use them to bring their groceries in from the car or to transport things when they are gardening. However, the best use is for taking snacks, toys, supplies, or even kids from place to place.
What to Look For
When it comes to finding a good wagon, there are things you should pay special attention to.
- Materials. There are a couple of materials these wagons are generally made from. Sometimes this is polyester and other times it is canvas. Both of these materials are strong and can handle a bit of abuse.
- Size. Many items are around the same size, but you should still determine if various options are large enough for your supplies. If you like to take everything but the kitchen sink with you, you’ll need to be sure that there’s room for everything.
- Tires. Tires range in size and function from one wagon to the next. This is important to note because not all wheels will be able to drive on all terrains. You should be sure that the models you’re looking at can drive well on sand, otherwise it won’t do you much good.
- Features. There may be extra features on certain products. Some may be able to be taken apart to clean or something like that. Pay attention to these extras and you could find something invaluable. You may also be able to order additional parts for your item, like an umbrella or canopy. This can protect everything from the sun and wind, so it can be used all times of the day.
- Storage. You probably won’t need to use your wagon every day, so you need to be sure that it can be folded and stored properly. Most are able to fold up small and the wheels are often removable.
- Capacity. A good wagon will also be able to hold a bit of weight. If you plan to let your kids ride in it, you must be aware of the weight limit to keep everyone safe.
Other Things to Know
Besides just focusing on these things, there are other aspects of wagons that differ. For example, the prices can range substantially, and is largely based on how sturdy and large a model is. Some models have a steel structure, while others have an aluminum structure, which are very different in terms of durability.
Another way they can differ is in color. Most options are available in classic colors like blue or red, and there are also a handful of other colors you may be able to find. This means you’ll possibly have to settle for a wagon that may not be the color you want. If this is important to you, keep looking until you find something you can live with.
Keeping the product clean is also an aspect that may take a little bit of research. While some can just be flipped over or spot cleaned, you should also know how to disinfect the whole thing.
You should also note what type of sand the beaches you frequent have. Not all wagons can go over all types of sand, so you should find out if certain products will be able to accomplish this. You can watch videos about the products or simply do some tests for yourself to know for sure. At the same time, there are numerous options that will travel well over all types of terrain, as they have specialized wheels. If you want a wagon that can travel everywhere you can, you may want to look for one that has large or inflated wheels.
Test Runs
It’s a good idea to do some test runs before you take any wagon to the beach. You want to be sure that it can hold your belongings or your kiddos. Practice driving it through the yard, in the driveway, or down the block. This will also help you be a little more experienced when it comes to steering because that isn’t always easy to do. Many times there is just one handle for pulling, and they aren’t always adaptable for all heights. In other words, you might find out that you can pull the wagon, but your husband is too tall. These are things you’ll want to know before you head out to the beach in order to avoid problems and mishaps.
Sandusky Lee FCW5424
This wagon not only has a distinctive appearance because it is mostly bright orange, but it also has a lot of features that make it a good buy. The fact that the front wheels and the back wheels are different sizes lets you know that it should be easy to steer as well.
What We Like:
- Pneumatic tires. The tires are pneumatic, which means they have air in them. You won’t be rolling around on just plastic tires.
- Special handle. The handle is sturdy and is also padded, so you shouldn’t get tired when you’re pulling this to your destination.
- Extra padding. The fabric has extra padding, which helps keep your goods protected when you use it. This also means your children will have a bit of extra padding if they are sitting inside of it.
- Washable fabric. The fabric is washable. You can take it off the wagon and throw it in your washer at home if it gets dirty or stained.
What We Don’t Like:
- Has strong smell. When you first get this product, it may have a strong smell. This is probably due to the new tires and will go away after a few uses.
Seina Collapsible Folding Utility Wagon
This one is a little bit smaller than most items, but it also folds up small enough for you to keep just about anywhere. The rubber wheels are relatively versatile too and it has a nice long handle.
What We Like:
- Comes assembled. The wagon doesn’t have to be put together because it’s only one piece. All you have to do is open it up and start using it. There are no small pieces to keep up with.
- Lightweight. This product only weighs around 14 pounds, so it is easier to carry around than heavier units. It can carry up to 150 pounds, so it can still handle heavy loads.
- Steel frame. The frame is made of powder-coated steel. This makes it very strong and should hold up well even after many uses.
- Easy to use. It is easy to steer and pull around different types of terrains, including grass and sidewalks. You shouldn’t have any trouble using it.
What We Don’t Like:
- Fabric not removable. You are unable to take the fabric out of this one, so you’ll have to do your best to spot clean it or rinse it off after each use.
TimberRidge Folding Wagon
This wagon will fold up small and is easy to navigate. It has a telescopic handle and wheels that are different than other options out there. The structure is interesting as well, with crisscrossed bars that add a great amount of protection.
What We Like:
- Warranty. This product comes with a 1-year warranty. You won’t be out of anything if it doesn’t work the way you need it to or you don’t like it.
- Large wheels. It has 8-inch diameter wheels, which allow it to handle a lot of stuff, no matter where you’re using it. This size also allows it to have a high level of stability.
- Comes with case. There is a case that comes with this one so can be carried around. You also shouldn’t have a hard time getting it back in the case. This means that you can store it anywhere, like in your trunk or garage.
What We Don’t Like:
- Has a short handle. The handle of this one may not be good for people of all heights. If you’re on the taller side, you may have to lean over to pull it.
Ollieroo Outdoor Utility Wagon
This wagon has a long handle and wheels that let it drive through snow, grass, or sand. It comes in a few bright colors to choose from. You also don’t have to put anything together because you can use it right out of the box.
What We Like:
- Easy to keep clean. The interior is made of a very strong polyester fabric that you can clean. All it takes is a bit of soap and water if you notice a stain. You can then allow it to air dry.
- Bright rubber wheels. The wheels are large, brightly colored, and attractive in appearance. You will clearly be able to tell if there are any changes or problems with your wheels because they stand out so much.
- Wheels swivel. The wheels will even swivel, which allows you to be able to pull it on a number of different surfaces and inclines without having to do much work.
What We Don’t Like:
- May rust around salt water. If you use it around salt water for an extended period of time, you may see some rust. Take care to wipe the wagon down after you use it each time.
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon
This one has large plastic wheels, so it will be hard to get anything stuck in the wheels. You’ll be able to enjoy your beach day and have everything you need near you. It’s easy enough to operated that an older child can use it. Furthermore, you won’t have any problem finding replacement parts if you end up needing them.
What We Like
- Adjustable handle. The handle is adjustable, so it can be a comfortable length for people of different heights.
- Cup holders. There are cup holders on the sides, which allows you to be sure to have your cold drink right next to you. This is a little bonus that you don’t see in most wagons.
- Unique look. It has a look that is unlike a lot of other products. The inner portion is blue canvas, while the outer part is strong steel. The difference lies in the fact that the metal parts are painted white, where others are often painted black. This gives it a more beach-oriented look.
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs to be weighted evenly. If you don’t have all the cargo placed evenly, this wagon can tip over or become unbalanced. It will then be harder to maneuver.
Conclusion
While all of these carts will do just fine at the beach, you will have to pay attention to the amount of weight you put in them and what type of sand you’re around.
The best item in this list is the Sandusky Lee FCW5424. Not only does it have a very distinctive look about it but also many extra features. The best ones are padding in the cargo area and a padded handle so you don’t hurt your hand when you are dragging it. Having rubber on the handle will also allow you to not have to touch hot metal when you’re using it in sunny environments.
You can wash the cloth portion in your washing machine and the wagon has pneumatic tires. It should be relatively easy to keep this one clean and to keep the tires working well because you can add air to them if need be. The product does have a strong smell to it, but this is because of the tires. As long as you don’t keep it indoors, you will be able to air it out.
Check out these items for yourself to see which one you like. You can start ysing most of them within minutes, thus avoiding a length of time putting them together.